A developer has registered a request for a declaration of community interest to construct a motorhome campsite in San Miguel de Salinas. The proposed project for 117 motorhomes involves an estimated investment of 1.7 million euro and is planned on protected land within the impact buffer zone of the Natural Resource Management Plan (PORN) for the Sierra Escalona natural park, in a site predominantly used for agriculture. However, the report presented by the British developer ignores this situation and fails to analyse the specific limitations established by the plan for that area. Article 36.5 of the PORN for Sierra Escalona does allow for these types of activities to be authorised under certain conditions and specific reports.
In contrast, the documentation contends that the plots are outside strict protection zones and that the location, located just a few hundred metres from the natural park itself and the La Pedrera reservoir, which is part of the protected area, does not present significant environmental or territorial impacts. In its environmental assessment, it acknowledges that the land sits on the border of the Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) of Sierra Escalona and Dehesa de Campoamor.
Plot details
The legal justification provided by the developer relies on the fact that the plots are classified by municipal planning as second-degree common non-building land, under subsidiary rules approved over 40 years ago. It also invokes regional Valencian planning legislation, which exceptionally permits tourist campsites to be authorised on rural land through a declaration of community interest.
Furthermore, it relies on an exception that allows campsites to exceed the general plot coverage limit of 50 per cent because a large portion of the facilities are outdoors. The activity would occupy 82.36 per cent of the land. In February 2023, the developer obtained a municipal certificate of urban planning compatibility, which simply confirms that the land is non-building land yet compatible for the intended use. However, full processing needs to be completed with the Generalitat to establish the venue. The report does not specifically justify its compatibility with the provisions of the PORN for the newly approved natural park.
Torremendo road site
The complex is planned next to the Torremendo road (CV-951), across two properties with a land registry area of 44,308 square metres. The planned layout covers 36,494 square metres, of which 9,583 will be allocated to the 117 motorhome plots, with an estimated capacity for 351 guests. Other areas are reserved for paths, parking, leisure zones and two swimming pools. Twelve buildings will occupy 827 square metres and will include a bar, reception, toilets and laundry facilities.
To reduce the environmental impact, the project includes plans to preserve 16,384 square metres as natural terrain, plant native species, use permeable paving, utilise solar energy, and install two sewage treatment plants due to a lack of connection to the main network. The report itself admits that it is unclear whether the activity must undergo an environmental impact assessment and requests a ruling from the competent body.
The developer defends the location citing the size of the plot, low slope, access points and the appeal of the rural landscape. The aim is to attract touring and nature tourism throughout the year, reach full occupancy in July and August, and retain a permanent staff of 25 workers.
Accumulation of projects
Numerous projects are piling up across the region. Hotels, campsites, motorhome campsites, tourist accommodation and various tourist activities are in the process of applying for declarations of community interest from the Generalitat. Under this scheme, paying a fee to the relevant local councils allows activities on non-building land across the Vega Baja. Applications have been accumulating since 2023, particularly around major protected natural areas as an attraction. These are not minor proposals. In Torrevieja, inside the Torrevieja and La Mata lagoons natural park itself rather than its buffer zone, an eco hotel scheme spanning 16 hectares has been submitted. It includes a solar plant, spa and over fifty rooms, justified on the grounds that the land is private and contains an original dwelling, Casa Sala, over a century old, which could be restored for a use expressly forbidden by the park regulations.